See Europe with a Professional Tour Guide
If you’re traveling to Europe for the first time, traveling with a reputable tour operator can save you lots of time, eliminate stress, and give you “behind the scenes” opportunities that aren’t available to independent travelers. In fact, many travelers who use a tour operator to get their feet wet in Europe continue to use this valuable service on subsequent trips. It just makes things so easy and may save money in the long run. “Comprehensive pricing” means quality accommodations, all breakfasts and some special meals, all transportation, VIP access to attractions, and local guides are all included in the cost.
Most tour operators have a wide variety of tours all over Europe ranging from a few days to several weeks, and you can opt for pre- and post-tour stays in cities that you’d like to explore further on your own. Following is a sampling of well-regarded tour operators and the features that place them at the top of the industry.
Globus Tours
- Several types of tours are available, including small group tours, “off the beaten path” tours, Escape tours (off season), and faith based and other special interest tours. Go beyond normal tourist destinations and ride the funicular railway in rustic Bergamo, Italy or sample Unicum liqueur in Budapest. Follow in St. Paul’s footsteps to early Christian sites or attend mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on a faith based tour of Greece, Turkey and Rome.
- Globus offers a quality experience at a reasonable price. Its loyalty program, Welcome Back Credit, allows a $250 discount on future bookings with Globus or Avalon Waterways and occasionally offers waivers on single supplement bookings and promotions on tours for single travelers.
Insight Vacations
- Known for its special interest tours, Insight also focuses on all the elements of luxury travel, appealing to a high-end clientele.
- Luxury accommodations, transportation and gourmet meals make this a memorable experience for discerning travelers. Soak in the tranquil atmosphere in Geneva, Switzerland at the Hotel L’Angleterre and take in the historic Moorish architecture at the Alhambra Hotel in Spain.
- Unique experiences like private performances, exclusive viewings of important landmarks and opportunities to meet with local historians, art experts, and food and wine connoisseurs are all included. Visit a professional glassblower in Venice, or take a “waltz workshop” in Vienna.
Tauck Tours
- Known for its attention to detail, this century-old company prides itself on delivering authentic, enriching travel memories.
- Luxury accommodations are chosen as part of the travel experience – picture a boutique hotel in Paris or a magnificent castle in Scotland!
- Impressive dining opportunities like Bavarian specialties in Germany’s Black Forest or lunch at a local trattoria in Orvieto, Italy are included.
- Cultural encounters with local craftsmen, artists, performers and restaurateurs bring each destination to life.
Contiki
- Travelers 18-35 years old may prefer to be a bit more independent, more willing to take each day as it comes and hope to make new friends from all over the world in the bargain! Contiki provides just enough structure so adventurers know where they’ll be sleeping each night and how they’re getting there, and they’ll have the benefit of a Trip Manager to introduce them to a city or region with a list of activities they may enjoy in each location. Opportunities for social get-togethers are plentiful. From island-hopping in Greece to skiing in Austria, Contiki has Europe covered.
- Contiki’s focus on sustainable, socially impactful travel resonates with the younger generation. Some tours include conservation projects or other community based aid programs.
- Plenty of free time in each destination allows for travelers to choose their own daily itineraries to suit their interests and budget.
- Breakfast and several other meals are included, but travelers can take advantage of their open daily itinerary to find other meals on their own with suggestions from their Tour Manager.
- A flexible booking policy (low deposit requirements and a monthly payment program) makes it accessible to younger travelers.
Rely on an established tour operator to show you the splendors of Europe. Your Travel Leaders tour expert will point you in the right direction.
